Good digestion makes an important contribution to well-being. Whether flatulence, constipation or diarrhea: digestive problems are unpleasant and can sometimes cause severe discomfort. Temporary digestive disorders are usually harmless – the causes can be poor diet or lack of exercise, for example. We have compiled 10 tips for you that can help you get problems with digestion under control.
1. carrot soup against diarrhea germs.
The so-called Moro carrot soup used to be a proven home remedy against diarrhea in babies and children. The effectiveness has now even been proven by studies: When the carrots are cooked, certain substances are produced that prevent the germs from adhering to the intestinal wall. This means that the germs are eliminated more quickly. The preparation is simple: boil 500 grams of peeled carrots in one liter of water for one hour, then puree, fill up again to one liter with boiled water and add three grams of table salt.
2. rely on herbal remedies for diarrhea.
As a rule, no medicines should be used for diarrhea – antibiotics are rarely necessary and only after a doctor’s order. Active substances such as loperamide inhibit intestinal movement and thus reduce the urge to defecate, but this slows down the elimination of germs. Taking loperamide is therefore only recommended in exceptional cases – for example, before a long flight. However, there are numerous herbal preparations with the following ingredients that can be used against diarrhea:
- Dried blueberries
- Tea from blackberry leaves
- Tormentil rhizome, for example in powder form.
- Uzara root extract (not in pregnancy or bacterial diarrhea).
3. remedy from the spice cabinet for flatulence.
If it rumbles in the intestine, there are some home remedies that can help – especially anise and caraway are considered to be deflating. But fennel, chamomile and peppermint are also said to be effective for a bloated belly. In addition to teas, there are various preparations with peppermint and caraway oil to take.
4. active substances against too much air in the intestine.
In cases of severe flatulence, bloating or belching, medications with the active ingredients simeticon or dimeticon can be used for short-term relief of the symptoms. They have a defoaming effect and can thus reduce air accumulation in the digestive system. Like all medicines, however, they should not be used permanently without medical consultation.
5. coffee for bloating
Coffee also stimulates intestinal activity and thus can help with constipation. Caffeine also stimulates the production of gastric acid and thus acts against bloating. This also applies to alcohol to a certain extent – it also has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the stomach. However, this effect is only apparent with very small amounts – high-proof alcohol, on the other hand, inhibits digestion. So after a rich meal, it is better to drink an espresso instead of a digestive liquor. Who has a sensitive stomach or suffers from heartburn, however, should rather do without coffee and alcohol altogether.
6. exercise gets the bowels going
For the intestine applies as for the whole body: long sitting makes sluggish. Exercise, on the other hand, can promote digestion. So a brisk walk after a meal can not only prevent a midday slump, but also activate digestion.
7.Dietary fiber promotes digestion.
To give your digestive system a boost, make sure you take in enough fiber: Fiber is found, for example, in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. In addition, swelling agents such as psyllium, wheat bran and flaxseed can stimulate intestinal activity – they can be stirred into muesli or yogurt, for example. In any case, it is important to drink at least 1.5 liters per day so that the fiber can swell in the intestines.
8. herbal help for constipation.
There are also some active ingredients from herbal medicine for constipation: for example, senna leaves, castor oil or sloth bark can stimulate digestion. There are various forms of preparation such as tea, juice or capsules in pharmacies or drugstores. In addition, sauerkraut juice is known for its digestive properties.
9. laxative as a short-term solution.
If natural measures have not had any effect, medication can provide temporary relief for constipation.In this case, you should rather use so-called osmotically active laxatives such as lactulose or macrogol. They are considered better tolerated than the so-called stimulant laxatives with active ingredients such as bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate, which can lead to severe fluid and potassium losses. In general, laxatives should only be used for short periods of time, as they can cause constipation themselves with long-term use.
10.Quick help for irritable bowel syndrome.
In the case of abdominal cramps – for example, in the context of irritable bowel syndrome – drugs with the active ingredient butylscopolaminium can relieve the pain. Various preparations with the antispasmodic active ingredient are available over the counter in pharmacies. Peppermint oil preparations can also have an analgesic effect. Another option for treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is the drug Iberogast: it contains a combination of several herbal active ingredients and can thus be effective for various digestive problems.
Digestive problems as a warning signal
Basically, digestive problems can also be an indication of a serious illness or infection. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should have this clarified by a doctor. Blood in the stool, sudden severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, as well as severe abdominal pain are warning signs that you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
